mccl handbook
TRANSCRIPT
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MCCL Handbook Carol, Concert, Chamber Choirs
2021 - 2022
www.mennonitechildrenschoir.org
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Table of Contents
MCCL Program ................................................................................................................................ 4
Mission Statement ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Vision Statement............................................................................................................................................... 4
Affiliation ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Programs ............................................................................................................................................................... 4 Prelude Music (kindergarten through grade 1) ............................................................................ 4 Choristers I (grades 2 – 5) and Choristers II (grades 5 – 8) ....................................................... 4 Carol Choir (grades 2 – 5) ................................................................................................................. 4 Concert Choir (grades 6 – 8) ............................................................................................................ 4 Chamber Choir (grades 9 – 12) ........................................................................................................ 5 Men’s Ensemble (grades 9 - 12) ...................................................................................................... 5
Staff ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Advisory Board .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Auditions and Registration ......................................................................................................... 8
General Information ..................................................................................................................... 9
Responsibilities .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Family .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Singer ..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Parent .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Attendance Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Communication .............................................................................................................................................. 10
Dress Code ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Singer Discipline ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Student Safety ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Inclement Weather Policy ......................................................................................................................... 11
Rehearsal Guidelines ................................................................................................................. 12
COVID-19 .......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Locations and Times...................................................................................................................................... 12
Rehearsal Supplies for Singers ................................................................................................................. 12
Singer Expectations ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Parent / Guardian Expectations .............................................................................................................. 12
Illness................................................................................................................................................................... 13
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Snack ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Concerts ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Concert Details ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Concert Etiquette for Parents .................................................................................................................. 14
Pre-Concert Snack ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Formal Concert Attire .................................................................................................................................. 14
Casual Concert Attire................................................................................................................................... 15
Concert Recordings ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Concert Offerings .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Tours and Festivals ..................................................................................................................... 16
Local Tour Day ................................................................................................................................................. 16
Summer Tour.................................................................................................................................................... 16 Proposed Tour Schedule ................................................................................................................ 16 Chamber Choir International Tour ............................................................................................... 16 Music in the Parks (Hershey Park) ............................................................................................... 16 Men’s Chorus Festival..................................................................................................................... 16
Choir Calendar ............................................................................................................................. 17
Financial Responsibilities ......................................................................................................... 22
Annual Tuition ................................................................................................................................................. 22 Tuition Transfer for Choristers ..................................................................................................... 22 Tuition Assistance ............................................................................................................................ 22
Fundraisers ....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Business Sponsorship and Tuition Discounts ..................................................................................... 23
Formal and Informal Uniform Fees......................................................................................................... 24
Music Fee ........................................................................................................................................................... 24
Tour Fee ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
Contributions ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Payment Policy ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Refund Policy ................................................................................................................................................... 25
Returned Check Fee ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Instructions for Registration ................................................................................................... 26
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MCCL Program
Mission Statement Training children and youth to glorify Jesus Christ through excellent choral singing
Vision Statement The vision of MCCL is to develop musical excellence and discipline in children and youth, equipping them for a lifetime of worship and service to the Christian community. We pass on our singing heritage through Christ-centered repertoire that affirms Anabaptist beliefs and reflects the musical diversity of the church around the world and through time.
Affiliation The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster is a program of Lancaster Mennonite School. This affiliation began in October 2001.
Programs Prelude Music (kindergarten through grade 1) A non-auditioned group, Prelude Music engages children with music. Playing, moving, listening, and singing are important components. Greater emphasis is given to experiencing than to performing. Choristers I (grades 2 – 5) and Choristers II (grades 5 – 8) A non-auditioned group, Choristers provides an opportunity to learn vocal and choral skills in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Participants learn healthy singing technique, intonation, beat keeping, ear training, rhythm reading, music reading, and rehearsal skills in a highly active and engaging environment. Carol Choir (grades 2 – 5) Carol Choir is an auditioned performing choir. Singers:
• sing in unison and in simple two-part harmony • practice singing basics: proper breathing, posture, tone, diction, healthy vocal production,
basic music reading skills, and musicianship • develop choral disciplines such as following instructions, watching the director, and choir
etiquette • learn age-appropriate music including rounds, simple melodies, hymns, and songs from other
countries • sing in concerts of excellence for the glory of God • develop understanding of worship to God and service to the church
Concert Choir (grades 6 – 8) Concert Choir is an auditioned performing choir that strengthens skills learned in Carol Choir. In addition, singers:
• develop a clear choral sound with consistency throughout the vocal range • continue musicianship and choral disciplines: sight singing, phrasing, score study, dynamics,
and performance practice • sing in two-, three-, and four-part harmony • learn music of different choral styles, historical periods, languages, and cultures • participate in a multi-day national tour
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Chamber Choir (grades 9 – 12) Chamber Choir is an auditioned performing choir that builds on fundamentals learned in Carol and Concert Choirs. In addition, singers:
• sing SATB as well as three- and four-part men’s and women’s ensemble pieces • continue to develop musicianship and music literacy: score analysis, dissonant intervals, and
masterclass opportunities • participate in a national or international tour
Men’s Ensemble (grades 9 - 12) Men’s Ensemble is for male singers who are members of the Chamber Choir. The ensemble nurtures and promotes singing for the changing and changed male voice and performs diverse repertoire ranging from unison to four-part harmony.
Staff
Artistic
Rosemary Blessing Sarah Wingard Artistic Director Director, Chamber Choir [email protected]
Director, Carol and Concert Choirs [email protected]
Monica Hochstedler Carlson Elisa Chodan Director, Prelude Music [email protected]
Director, Choristers I & II Assistant, Carol and Concert Choirs [email protected]
Sharon Curran Mark Williams Accompanist, Carol and Concert Choirs Interim Director, Men’s Ensemble
Administrative
Maria Bowman Managing Director Choir Manager [email protected]
Chris Freeman Volunteer Music Librarian
Meredith Fisher Volunteer Editor
Nancy Stauffer Volunteer Bookkeeper
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Artistic Staff
Rosemary Blessing Artistic Director, Chamber Choir Rosemary holds degrees in piano performance and business administration from Eastern Mennonite University and has pursued graduate study in choral music. She maintains a private piano studio and teaches piano at Franklin and Marshall College. Rosemary is an active pianist in the Lancaster area, having accompanied various choral groups, and currently plays with the Allegro Orchestra. Rosemary and her husband, Josh, attend Landis Valley Christian Fellowship with their two young children.
Sarah Wingard Director, Carol and Concert Choirs Sarah earned her bachelor's degree in music education from Messiah College with a concentration in voice and extensive study in piano. Growing up in Virginia, Sarah gained early musical experience singing with the nationally acclaimed Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. Sarah teaches elementary music at the Locust Grove campus of Lancaster Mennonite School. In addition to helping with local music camps and events, Sarah teaches private voice lessons. Sarah also sings and regularly solos with the Susquehanna Chorale.
Mark Williams Interim Director, Men’s Ensemble Mark is Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, having retired as Director of Choral Activities and Chair of the Music Department at Pequea Valley High School after teaching for 36 years. Currently in his 43rd year conducting church choirs, Mark has served God in United Methodist, United Church of Christ, and Presbyterian churches and has guest conducted many choral festivals for adults, middle school, and high school choirs. He is in demand as a clinician, leading masterclasses for high school choirs throughout the area.
Sharon Curran Accompanist, Carol and Concert Choirs Sharon graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance. In addition to teaching elementary orchestra at Conestoga Valley and piano lessons at Linden Hall School, Sharon has been featured as the piano soloist with the Pennsylvania Academy of Music Orchestra, Hershey Symphony Orchestra, and Millersville University Orchestra. Sharon has also accompanied various vocal and instrumental soloists, pit orchestras, and choirs of all ages.
Monica Hochstedler Carlson Director, Prelude Music
Monica holds a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Goshen College. She has taught general elementary music in public schools as well as at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School in Harrisonburg, VA. In addition, Monica built a thriving private piano studio, served as a private and group piano instructor at Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music and Woodberry Forest School, and is an instructor at Red Wing Academy.
Elisa Chodan Director, Choristers I & II and Assistant, Carol and Concert Choirs
Elisa is a full-time music educator, teaching choir and general music at Veritas Academy. She also leads the women's chorus at Lancaster Bible College and has directed children’s choir at Lancaster Academy for the Performing Arts. Elisa holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Voice Performance from Bob Jones University with additional graduate credits from Westminster Choir College. She was a 2019-20 VOCES8 US Scholar and a two-time summer intern with VOCES8 in Europe.
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Administrative Staff
Advisory Board
Jewel Sensenig, Board Chair Diana Locke, Secretary Lamar Myers, Treasurer Jeremy Brubaker Lyn Carlson Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell
Larry Guengerich Lauren Pierce Carissa Sherer Jannat Veras Dr. Randy Westgate
Maria Bowman Managing Director and Choir Manager Maria holds a Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in psychology, education, and English from Eastern Mennonite University and has taken graduate level classes in education. She serves as a Family Life Educator at COBYS Family Services, facilitating classes for families. Previously, she worked as a special education teacher and in Human Resources at Eastern Mennonite Missions. She attends Rossmere Mennonite Church with her family.
Nancy Stauffer Volunteer Bookkeeper
Meredith Fisher Volunteer Editor
Chris Freeman Volunteer Music Librarian
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Auditions and Registration
Auditions are generally conducted between May and July for the following fall. Auditions will be closed when a choir is at capacity.
Prelude Music Auditions are not required for the Prelude Music program. See the MCCL Classes Handbook for registration information.
Choristers I and II Auditions are not required for the Choristers I and II programs. See the MCCL Classes Handbook for registration information.
Carol and Concert Choirs Auditions are typically 15 minutes and include:
• matching pitch • singing in tune • using head voice • maintaining a melodic line while another line is being sung • singing one prepared piece of music of singer’s choice (sung a cappella)
Chamber Choir Auditions are typically 20 minutes and include:
• vocalizing for range and tone quality • engaging in exercises for pitch, aural, and sight-reading skills • singing one prepared piece of music of singer’s choice (a cappella or with accompaniment)
Re-Auditions Singers who have successfully auditioned for MCCL do not need to audition again, even when moving from one choir to the next. Singers who do not sing consecutive semesters may need to re-audition.
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General Information
Responsibilities Family
• Pray for the choir, directors, performances, and audiences. • Review this Choir Handbook as a family. • Arrive on time to all MCCL events. • Mark all MCCL events from the Choir Calendar in this handbook on your family calendar and
commit to attending all events. (See attendance policy about excused absences.)
Singer • Display a positive attitude, demonstrate Christ-like behavior and language, create an
atmosphere of community, and respect leadership at all MCCL events. • Complete weekly practice assignments on time. • Accept responsibility for and take care of your choir folder.
o Bring your folder to each rehearsal and take it home every week. o Mark your music with a pencil and erase pencil marks at the end of each semester
before turning in your binder. o Keep music binder in a safe place and do not stand on or drop it.
Parent
• Volunteer in areas that best suit your abilities and interests. The Choir Manager will create a parent volunteer schedule based on information given during the registration process. Certain volunteer roles require background checks. Instructions for background checks can be found in the MCCL Student Safety Policy.
• Provide rehearsal or concert snack once a semester. • Provide finger food item for one concert reception each semester.
Attendance Policy Prompt, consistent attendance demonstrates commitment, develops unity in choral sound, and respects time of all singers and staff.
• Punctual attendance is expected at all events on the Choir Calendar. • Communicate all potential conflicts with any scheduled MCCL events to your director in
writing at the beginning of the choir season. Any absence must be approved in advance. o MCCL recognizes other commitments like sports, Bible quizzing, and arts may conflict
with MCCL schedule. As soon as possible, please contact director(s) about the possibility of alternative plans to address schedule conflicts.
o In the case of illness, notify the singer’s director by email or phone as soon as possible before the scheduled event.
• If a singer is absent from a rehearsal, retreat, or concert, make-up work will usually be assigned by the director to be completed in a designated time frame. This ensures the singer’s progress matches the rest of the choir.
• If a singer is repeatedly tardy or misses more than one rehearsal a semester, the director will determine an appropriate make-up plan for that singer. The plan will consider the singer’s history of rehearsal preparation and musical experience and may include rehearsing privately with a director for a fee of $30/half hour. Extenuating circumstances will be considered.
• Singers with unexcused absences or late arrivals may be placed on probationary status.
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Communication • Please read your email. Directors will email weekly updates regarding practice assignments,
schedule, fundraisers, concert details, and more. • Please email directors rather than contacting them at rehearsals or concerts.
Dress Code MCCL’s goal is to maintain a professional appearance at each rehearsal, retreat, and event.
• Shorts must extend below fingertip length when arms are at the side. • Dresses or skirts must be no more than two inches above the top of the knee. • Pictures, messages, and symbols on clothing and jewelry must be in line with the mission and
values of the choir. • Shirts must have sleeves. • Undergarments may not be visible. • Leggings are permitted with a top that is mid-thigh in length.
Singer Discipline MCCL is committed to restorative rather than punitive discipline, which means talking openly about and creating a plan to change behaviors that negatively impact a singer and/or the whole choir. Since we believe singers must accept responsibility for their behavior, restorative discipline may include apologies, reconciliation, actions to right a wrong, and parental involvement.
MCCL staff will work with all students involved using restorative practices with the intent of each student owning what was wrong and making things right. Parents may be asked to participate in this process.
Yellow Cards If a singer’s behavior negatively impacts the individual or other choir members, a director or the choir manager may hand the singer yellow card.
• The singer will write down what was happening at the time the yellow card was received and ask a parent to sign the card.
• Parent(s) will be emailed. • The singer will return the yellow card to the director the following week. • Receiving a yellow card is cause for concern and may lead to probationary status.
Probation If a singer does not meet MCCL expectations (behavior, attendance, practice assignments) and does not follow through with a collaborative plan to remedy the situation, a singer will be placed on probation. Singers on probation will be given a deadline to correct the situation. Probation may include sitting out at concerts or other MCCL events. If lack of compliance is related to practice or attendance, the singer will be required to rehearse privately with a director for a fee of $30 per one-half hour. Probation has the potential to lead to dismissal from the choir without a refund.
Student Safety
Student Safety Policy As a faith-based community choir, we believe that the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of choir members is vital. The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster (MCCL) has a policy in place to ensure the safety of students participating in the MCCL program. It can be viewed in the Member Portal section of the MCCL website. Ask MCCL staff for a hard copy if desired.
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Bullying Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, teasing, name calling, embarrassing someone in public, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Students or parents should inform staff immediately when any form of bullying is observed.
Inclement Weather Policy
• All weather-related cancellations will be announced by email. • Cancellations of concerts will be announced on WDAC and WJTL and posted on the MCCL
Facebook page and website.
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Rehearsal Guidelines
COVID-19 MCCL will continue to monitor health recommendations of the national children’s choral community, local schools (primarily Lancaster Mennonite School), and CDC. There are still unknowns related to which Covid mitigation practices will need to be in place. We plan to hold rehearsals and classes inside. It is possible that masks and distancing of three feet may be needed at different points in the semester based on recommendations/guidelines.
Locations and Times Blossom Hill Mennonite Church and Neffsville Mennonite Church graciously allow MCCL to rent their facilities. Singers and families are expected to treat facilities with care and are not permitted to be in areas of the churches that are not in use by MCCL.
Rehearsals and classes are held on Tuesdays at the following locations and times:
Prelude Music classes Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 4:45 – 5:30 p.m. 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
Choristers I class Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.
Choristers II class Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 6:55 – 7:40 p.m.
Carol Choir rehearsal Neffsville Mennonite Church 6:15 – 7:20 p.m.
Concert Choir rehearsal Neffsville Mennonite Church 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Chamber Choir rehearsal Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Men’s Ensemble rehearsal Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Rehearsal Supplies for Singers • A tote bag to carry pencil, water bottle, and music binder
o (MCCL provides pencil and music binder) • A full water bottle labeled with singer’s name
Singer Expectations
• Arrive 5-10 minutes before rehearsal begins. o This is time to use the restroom and fill water bottles. o Each singer will sign in.
• MCCL is a mostly technology-free space. We place great emphasis on cultivating teamwork and building relationships.
o To this end, cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used during rehearsal.
o Electronic devices used during rehearsal will be held by a staff member or parent volunteer until the end of rehearsal.
o Cell phones may be used individually before and after rehearsal for choir or school homework, calling a parent, etc. If a group of singers is gathered around a phone, a staff member or parent volunteer will keep it for the remainder of the rehearsal.
o Please keep cell phones away during snack. • Stay in areas of churches that are used by MCCL.
Parent / Guardian Expectations
• Parents are welcome to attend rehearsals and are asked not to talk in the rehearsal space. • Arrive promptly for pick up.
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o Parents/guardians of Carol and Concert Choir singers must sign their children out at Neffsville Mennonite Church in the fellowship hall.
o Singers will sit on their own in the fellowship hall or back of sanctuary until parent/guardian arrives to pick them up.
o The registration form will give opportunity for parents to indicate other adults who are permitted to pick up and sign out their children.
• Always monitor younger siblings and stay in areas of the churches that are used by MCCL.
Illness • Please do not come to MCCL event if you have any of the following symptoms:
o Fever over 100.4 in previous 24 hours o Stomach illness in previous 24 hours o Cold symptoms: cough, runny nose, or sore throat (new, constant, not allergies)
• If you need to miss an MCCL event due to illness, please email director immediately.
Snack • Parents provide, serve, and clean up snack each week following rehearsal. • Sign-up for snack is available during registration. • Simple and healthy snacks are encouraged. • Please do not serve crumb-inducing snacks such as chips or popcorn. • Singers will have water bottles, so no drink is needed. • Bring napkins and any other items needed to serve the snack. • Wipe all tables that were used, clean up trash, and vacuum/sweep crumbs on floor.
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Concerts
Concert Details • Singers are expected to arrive in uniform and be ready to sing at communicated
report time, generally 1½ hours before concert time. • Singers should not bring cell phones and electronic devices into the concert
venue. Use of technology during pre-concert warm-ups and/or during the concert will result in devices being given to staff member/volunteer, kept in a safe location, and returned at the end of the concert.
Concert Etiquette for Parents MCCL concerts are well attended by members of the local community, congregations, and choir families. Please be courteous toward everyone who attends a concert.
• Be considerate of concert guests by parking in spaces farthest from the church entrance.
• Parents and other concert guests should not enter the sanctuary during rehearsal before a concert. The doors will open for concert seating 30 minutes before concert time.
• Consider sitting toward the back of the venue if you attended a previous concert. • Please do not save seats before the concert.
Pre-Concert Snack
• Parents provide, serve, and clean up snack before each concert. • Sign-up for snack is available during registration. • Wipe all tables that were used and clean up trash and crumbs on the floor.
Formal Concert Attire
Carol and Concert Choir Girls • MCCL provides blouses and black skirts. • Singers provide black dress shoes (no flip flops, clogs, or boots). • Carol Choir girls wear white tights. • Concert Choir girls wear either flesh-toned nylons or no nylons. • All girls should wear white or tan undergarments under their blouses. • Jewelry should be limited to stud earrings. • Bracelets, watches, and hair bands should not be worn on wrists. Medical
bracelets are an exception. • Hair should be away from eyes so singers can see director. • Any hair accessories should be small and simple.
Carol and Concert Choir Boys
• MCCL provides white dress shirts and ties or bow ties for each season. • Singers provide black dress pants, black socks, black dress
shoes (no sneakers), and white undershirt. • Hair should be away from eyes so singers can see director. • Bracelets and watches should not be worn on wrists. Medical bracelets are
an exception.
Chamber Choir Ladies • MCCL will order a black dress for each lady during her first year in Chamber
Choir.
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• Singers purchase a dress through MCCL (approximately $80). • Singers provide black dress shoes (no flip flops, clogs, or boots). • Jewelry should be limited to stud earrings and/or a pearl necklace. • Bracelets, watches, and hair bands should not be worn on wrists. Medical
bracelets are an exception. • Hair should be away from eyes so singers can see director. • Any hair accessories should be small and simple.
Chamber Choir Men • Hair should be away from eyes so singers can see director. • Bracelets and watches should not be worn on wrists. Medical bracelets are
an exception. Fall
• MCCL provides ties which singers return at the end of fall semester. • Singers purchase gray dress shirt through MCCL (approximately $30). • Singers provide white undershirt, black dress pants, black socks, and
black dress shoes. Spring
• Singers purchase blue dress shirt and plaid bow tie through MCCL (approximately $50).
• Singers provide white undershirt, black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
Casual Concert Attire
Carol, Concert and Chamber Choir Casual concert attire will be required for local tour day, informal events, and some social activities.
• MCCL t-shirt (each singer will receive new MCCL t-shirt in September, cost included in registration fee)
• Khaki or tan bottoms o Guys wear long pants. o Ladies may wear long pants, knee-length (or longer) skirts, or capris.
• Nice shoes or sandals; flip-flops are not permitted. Concert Recordings Please note that if you record MCCL concerts using your personal recording devices, you are not permitted to make copies of your recordings due to copyright laws. Thanks for your cooperation. Any recordings made by the host church are solely for internal use by the directors for evaluation and growth.
Concert Offerings MCCL accepts a free-will offering at concerts instead of requiring concert guests to purchase tickets like many other arts organizations do. Contributions are welcome from everyone who attends a concert, including parents. Donors who write a check for $25 or more will receive a tax-deductible receipt from Lancaster Mennonite School. Checks should be payable to MCCL/LMS; please write MCCL on the memo line.
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Tours and Festivals
Local Tour Day An annual spring one-day tour for Carol, Concert, and Chamber choirs, this tour includes singing at schools, retirement communities, and local ministries with the purpose of serving the local community, increasing confidence in singing, and broadening awareness about MCCL.
Attendance is expected. MCCL will provide a letter requesting permission for singers to be excused from school that day.
Summer Tour A multi-day tour in mid-June for Concert and Chamber choirs, this tour promotes a sense of community within the performing choirs as well as the broader church. Tour includes educational components such as a choral masterclass and local attractions and serves as a culmination of the choir year. Fee for this tour is not included in tuition. Tour-specific fundraisers may be offered.
Attendance is expected. However, MCCL understands that due to vacation or other conflicts some singers may not be able to participate. Tour commitment forms will be distributed during the fall or early in the spring semester.
Proposed Tour Schedule
• June 2022 o Concert Choir to Hershey Park (Music in the Parks), Washington D.C. and
Baltimore, MD (3 days) o Chamber Choir international tour to Czech Republic with Eastern Mennonite
Missions (14 – 15 days) • June 2023
o Concert and Chamber Choirs to Canada (5 -7 days) • June 2024
o Concert Choir to Ohio and Indiana (5 – 7 days) o Chamber Choir to Rosedale Bible College Music Festival (2 – 3 days) in April and
to New York City (2 - 4 days)
Chamber Choir International Tour MCCL partners with Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM) for an international choral mission trip every three years.
• To be eligible to participate in an international tour, singers who sang with MCCL in prior years are expected to have participated in stateside tours.
• Space is limited for international tours. Singers who want to participate must apply and be approved by EMM and MCCL. Priority will be given to singers who meet requirements and who sang the year preceding the international tour year.
Music in the Parks (Hershey Park) MCCL Concert Choir singers participate in a choral adjudication by a panel of experienced master teachers every three years. Singers enjoy rides at Hershey Park after their performant and end the day at an awards ceremony. Fee for this opportunity is not included in tuition.
Men’s Chorus Festival MCCL Men’s Ensemble singers participate in a community two-day men’s choral festival every three years. Fee for this opportunity is not included in tuition.
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Choir Calendar
Please transfer all dates and times to your family calendar. Email MCCL directors at the start of the choir season with any known or potential conflicts for the whole year.
Calendar Key BHMC Blossom Hill Mennonite Church NMC Neffsville Mennonite Church
Rehearsals Times and Locations Rehearsals are held every Tuesday
Carol Choir rehearsal Neffsville Mennonite Church 6:15 – 7:20 p.m.
Concert Choir rehearsal Neffsville Mennonite Church 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Chamber Choir rehearsal Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Men’s Ensemble rehearsal Blossom Hill Mennonite Church 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
2021 Fall Semester Dates listed below indicate specific times, locations, or changes for rehearsals, retreats, & concerts.
Day Date Time Location Activity Carol Concert
Chamber
Tues
Aug. 17
6:15 – 7:00 p.m. NMC Rehearsal for new singers X
7:15 – 8:15 p.m. NMC Rehearsal for new singers X
Tues Aug. 24
6:15 – 7:20 p.m. NMC
First rehearsal for all singers
X
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. NMC X
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. BHMC X
Sun Aug. 29 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Concert Choir party at singer Brennan Kauffman’s home. More details coming. Singers encouraged to attend (optional). Parents welcome.
X
Tues Aug. 31
Regular rehearsal times & locations for all singers.
7:00 – 7:20 p.m. NMC Parents/Guardians join Carol Choir singers for fall information meeting. Please have one parent/guardian for each singer.
X
Tues Sept. 7
Regular rehearsal times & locations for all singers.
7:00 – 7:20 p.m. NMC Parents/Guardians join Concert Choir singers for fall information meeting. Please have one parent/guardian for each singer.
X
8:30 – 8:50 p.m. BHMC Parents/Guardians join Chamber Choir singers for fall information meeting. Please have one parent/guardian for each singer.
X
Sat
Sept. 18 8:15 – 11:45 a.m. NMC
Rehearsal retreat with breakfast Parents encouraged to attend breakfast from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. Singers wear MCCL t-shirt; formal uniform distribution
X
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Day Date Time Location Activity Carol Concert
Chamber
Sat Sept. 18 (cont.)
1:00 – 5:45 p.m.
NMC
Rehearsal retreat with pizza supper Singers wear MCCL t-shirt; formal uniform distribution
X
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Rehearsal retreat part 1 Singers wear MCCL t-shirt (GO! Czech Fundraiser in morning/early afternoon)
X
Sun Sept. 19 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. NMC Rehearsal retreat part 2 with pizza supper Singers wear MCCL t-shirt; formal uniform distribution for guys and dress fitting for girls
X
Tues Sept. 21 6:15 – 7:00 p.m. BHMC Men’s Ensemble extended rehearsals begin for four weeks to prepare for Men’s Chorus Festival Sept. 21, Sept 28, Oct. 5, & Oct. 12
X men
Fri Nov. 5
4:15 – 6:30 p.m. NMC Presentation by and rehearsal with Christmas concerts guest artists. Singers wear MCCL t-shirt
X X X
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. BHMC
Jar Fundraiser Preparation Parent & singer participation strongly encouraged by signing up for a two to three hour shift. Siblings age 10+ may help. Supper provided. All singers pick up jars at BHMC before 9:30 p.m.
X X X
Sat Nov. 6
8:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. NMC
Rehearsal with Christmas concerts guest artists Singers wear MCCL t-shirt
X X X
12:30–1:00 p.m. NMC Concert Choir parent/singer summer tour information session (Lunch provided)
X
Fri Nov. 19 Evening BHMC
Extra Give: MCCL Soups, Songs, & Sweets Alumni and current singers will enjoy good food and singing MCCL songs together. Attendance for current families is encouraged and optional.
X X X
Tues Nov. 23 Regular rehearsal times NMC
Dress rehearsal All singers wear MCCL formal concert attire. Chamber Choir rehearses at NMC.
X X X
Tues Nov. 30 Regular rehearsal times NMC
Last fall rehearsal Chamber Choir rehearses at NMC. Music folder collection Concert Choir tour deposit & covenant due. Jar Fundraiser payment due
X X X
Thur Dec. 2
5:30 p.m. Report: Cham/ Con 5:45 p.m. Report: Carol 7:00 p.m. Performance
Neffsville Mennonite Church, Lancaster
Concert X X X
Sat Dec. 4
2:30 p.m. Report: Cham/Con 2:45 p.m. Report: Carol 4:00 p.m. Performance
TBD Concert X X X
Sun Dec. 5
2:30 p.m. Report: Cham/Con 2:45 p.m. Report: Carol 4:00 p.m. Performance
TBD Concert X X X
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2022 Spring Semester Dates listed below indicate specific times, locations, or changes.
Day Date Time Location Activity Carol Concert Chamber
Tues Jan. 4
Regular rehearsal times
NMC/ BHMC
First spring semester rehearsal X X X
7:00 – 7:20 p.m. NMC Parent Information Session for new families X X X
6:15 – 7:00 p.m. BHMC Men’s Ensemble extended rehearsals begin to prepare for Men’s Chorus Festival Jan 4 through March 22
X - men
Tues Jan. 11
Regular rehearsal times & locations for all singers.
6:15 – 6:35 p.m. NMC Parents join Carol Choir singers for Do-Re-Mi $ Fundraiser Information Session. One parent/guardian for each family is to attend.
X
7:00 – 7:20 p.m. NMC Parents join Concert Choir singers for Do-Re-Mi $ Fundraiser Information Session. One parent/guardian for each family is to attend.
X
8:30 – 8:50 p.m. BHMC Parents join Chamber Choir singers for Do-Re-Mi $ Fundraiser Information Session. One parent/guardian for each family is to attend.
X
Tues Jan. 25 Regular rehearsal times. Arrive 15 min early.
NMC Do-Re-Mi $ fundraiser envelopes due Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to turn in letters. Chamber Choir rehearses at NMC.
X
X
X
Fri Jan. 28 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. NMC Family Fun Night: Ice Cream Social & Games Singers, siblings, parents/guardians, & grandparents encouraged to attend.
X X X
Sun Feb. 6 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. NMC Do-Re-Mi $ Rehearsal Marathon Wear MCCL t-shirt; formal uniform distribution
X X ladies
Sun Feb. 13 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. NMC
Do-Re-Mi $ Rehearsal Marathon Wear MCCL t-shirt; formal uniform distribution
X
12:45– 5:45 p.m. NMC X men
Sun Feb. 20 TBD TBD Do-Re-Mi $ Rehearsal Marathon Snow make-up X
X
X
Tues Feb. 15 Concert Choir Summer tour payment #1 due X
Tues Mar 8
Regular rehearsal time for Carol Choir. Concert and Chamber Choirs extended rehearsal until 8:45 p.m.
NMC/ BHMC
Photo Night All singers wear formal concert attire
X X X
Sat Mar 12 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. BHMC Rehearsal Retreat
X
Sun Mar 13 TBD TBD Tentative: Benefit Concert for GO! Czech Tour All Chamber Choir singers participate.
X
Tues Mar 22 Regular rehearsal times NMC
Dress rehearsal All singers wear MCCL formal concert attire. Chamber Choir rehearses at NMC.
X X X
Thur Mar 24
5:30 p.m. Report: Cham/Conc 5:45 p.m. Report: Carol 7:00 p.m. Performance
TBD Concert at local retirement home X X X
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Day Date Time Location Activity Carol Concert Chamber
Sat March 26 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, East Earl
Rehearsal: Men’s Chorus Festival
X men
Sun March 27
2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community, East Earl
Rehearsal: Men’s Chorus Festival Supper provided
X men
6:30 p.m. Concert Men’s Chorus Festival
X men
Tues Mar 29 Regular rehearsal times
Concert Choir Summer tour payment #2 due X
NMC Chamber Choir rehearses at NMC
X
Fri April 1
8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
TBD Carol Choir Local Tour Day X
Fri April 8
7:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
TBD Concert Choir and Chamber Choir Local Tour Day X X
Sun April 10
2:30 p.m. Report: Cham/Con 2:45 p.m. Report: Carol 4:00 p.m. Performance
Derry Presbyter-ian Church, Hershey, PA
Concert X X X
Sat April 23
2:30 p.m. Report 7:00 p.m. Performance
First Baptist Church, Landsdale
Concert for Concert Choir only John Rutter’s Mass of the Children in collaboration with Lancaster Franconia Singers & live orchestra. Supper provided for singers.
X
Sun April 24
1:30 p.m. Report 3:00 p.m. Performance
Lititz Church of the Brethren, Lititz
Concert for Concert Choir only John Rutter’s Mass of the Children in collaboration with Lancaster Franconia Singers & live orchestra.
X
Tues April 26 TBA NMC Join the Song Open rehearsal for potential singers. Current singers are encouraged to bring friends
X
X
Sun May 1
2:30 p.m. Report: Cham/Conc 2:45 p.m. Report: Carol 4:00 p.m. Performance
TBD
Concert Finger food reception following concert. More details to come.
X X X
Tues May 3 Regular rehearsal times
Last spring rehearsal Music Binder collection for Carol Choir and Concert Choir singers not participating in summer tour
X X X
Sat May 7
1:30 p.m. Report time: Chamber & Concert 1:45 p.m. Report time: Carol 3:00 & 6:30 p.m. Concert
Neffsville Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA
Concert Prelude Music and Choristers I and II will participate in the 3 p.m. concert.
Supper will be provided for Carol, Concert, and Chamber singers between concerts.
Uniform collection for Carol Choir and Concert Choir singers not participating in summer tour.
X X X
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Day Date Time Location Activity Carol Concert Chamber
Tues May 31
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. NMC Rehearsal To prepare for summer tours
X
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
X
6:15 – 7:00 p.m.
X men
8:30 – 9:00 p.m. NMC Concert Choir Summer Tour meeting for parents and singers
X
Tues June 7
5:30 p.m. Report: Cham/Con 6:30 p.m. Concert Choir Performance 7:00 p.m. Chamber Choir Performance
Landis Homes Retirement Community
Pre-tour Concert Wear informal concert attire.
X X
June 10 – 12
Concert Choir Summer Tour including Music in the Parks at Hershey Park
X
Sun June 12 6:30 p.m. TBD Concert Choir Post-Tour Concert X
June 14 – 28 Chamber Choir GO! Czech Summer Tour
with Eastern Mennonite Missions X
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Financial Responsibilities Registration Fee (non-refundable fee per singer) Carol, Concert, Chamber auditioned choirs
$75 on or before August 12, 2021 $125 after August 12, 2021
Annual Tuition The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster is a tuition-based choir. Tuition funds about one-third of our budget. Offerings, fundraisers, and donations make up the balance of our income. Operating expenses include sheet music, uniforms, concerts, salaries, facility rental, insurance, and publicity.
Annual tuition includes over 80 hours of choral instruction in rehearsals, concerts, retreats, and local tour day, as well as opportunities for extracurricular events, such as choral festivals, collaborative choral events, and an annual picnic.
First Child Tuition
Carol Choir* $275 per year Concert Choir* $345 per year Chamber Choir* $345 per year
Men’s Ensemble (all males in 9-12 grade) $ 25 per year
Additional Child Tuition $275 per year for each additional child in Carol, Concert, and/or Chamber Choir *In addition, families participate in one fall and one spring semester fundraiser.
Tuition is not prorated for singers who participate for one semester only.
Tuition Transfer for Choristers If a singer who has paid for the full year transfers from Choristers to Carol or Concert Choir for second semester, 50% of the Choristers tuition will be credited toward one semester of Carol or Concert Choir tuition.
Tuition Assistance MCCL invites singers to participate in choir regardless of financial status and will work with each family to ensure the financial obligations to MCCL are met. Tuition assistance is available to those who sing the entire year and is also available to families new to the MCCL program in January. The tuition assistance application, and non-refundable deposit is due with choir registration. Applications received by the early deadline will be given priority.
Fundraisers Fundraisers serve as team-building events for singers and their families and provide a portion of the MCCL budget. They help offset the difference between tuition and the actual cost of the MCCL program. Singers and families are expected to participate in fundraisers or pay an opt-out fee, if preferred. If a family bypasses fundraiser participation through the required opt-out fee, the payment is not tax deductible.
• Fall Jar Fundraiser (Carol/Concert/Chamber) Each family will receive 16 food mixes to sell. Mixes are $8.50 each. Opt-out fee is $136 per family.
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• Spring Do-Re-Mi-Dollars Fundraiser (Carol/Concert/Chamber)
1 singer per family 10 names or opt-out fee of $120 2 singers per family 20 names or opt-out fee of $240 3+ singers per family 25 names or opt-out fee of $300
• Chamber or Concert Choir might participate in an optional car wash. • Specific optional fundraisers for multi-day tours and other events might be offered.
Business Sponsorship and Tuition Discounts Each year, business sponsors are invited to partner with MCCL. These partnerships with local business owners strengthen the MCCL program and provide a portion of the MCCL budget. There are five levels of sponsorship:
Concert Series Underwriter $5,000 per concert season Presto $3,000 Allegretto $1,500 Allegro $1,000 Andante $ 500
Benefits vary depending on the level of sponsorship and include options for advertising in the concert program, on concert posters, and at concerts.
Family and friends of singers often are significant supporters of MCCL. Please send names of potential business sponsors to the Managing Director at [email protected]. If a business you recommend has not already been contacted, we will prepare a sponsorship packet for you to share with them.
A tuition discount for the forthcoming year will be applied to your family for each business sponsor you recommend and contact if they partner with MCCL by the start of the fall semester. Total tuition discount may not exceed total tuition owed by each family.
$500 per family for a Concert Series Underwriter $300 per family for a Presto business partner $150 per family for an Allegretto business partner $100 per family for an Allegro business partner $ 50 per family for an Andante business partner
Refer a New MCCL Family and Tuition Discounts For the 2021-2022 choir season, current MCCL families will receive a tuition discount for each new choir family who joins a choir or class because of their personal invitation. The newly invited family will also receive a discount.
New MCCL family with singer in Prelude Music or Choristers I or II
New MCCL family with singer in Carol Choir
New MCCL family with singer in Concert Choir
New MCCL family with singer in Chamber Choir
Discount for each current and new family
$10/semester $25/full year
$40/full year $50/full year $50/full year
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The discount is per family, not per singer.
• If a new MCCL family registers singers in multiple classes or choirs, the highest discount available will be applied.
• If two current MCCL families invited the same new family, the discount is shared between the current families.
• As part of registration, current MCCL families will list new families they invited to join MCCL this spring.
Formal and Informal Uniform Fees All Carol and Concert singers pay a $25 yearly fee to rent MCCL concert attire. Each Chamber Choir lady is responsible to purchase a black dress (approximately $80) from MCCL, which will be hers to keep. Each Chamber Choir gentleman is responsible to purchase two colored dress shirts and spring season bow tie (approximately $80) from MCCL, which will be his to keep. Carol and Concert Choir uniforms will be collected at the end of each season. There is a $60 lost/late fee if uniform is not returned by the due date. Chamber Choir men’s fall season ties will be collected at the end of the fall season. MCCL will charge $30 if the fall season tie is not returned by due date. MCCL will have a new t-shirt design for the 2020-2021 choir season. All singers, new and returning, will receive a free MCCL t-shirt for causal concert attire in fall 2021 or spring 2022. There is a $18 fee for a replacement t-shirt (lost or needing a new size).
Music Fee Music folders will be collected at the end of each season. There will be a $60 charge for any music folder not returned by the due date. There will be a $10 charge for any individual piece of music that is missing or damaged.
Tour Fee An additional fee is charged for the annual Concert and Chamber Choir summer tour.
Contributions Tax-deductible gifts may be sent to:
MCCL PO Box 5146 Lancaster PA 17606
Please make check payable to MCCL/LMS and write MCCL on the memo line. Lancaster Mennonite School will send a tax-deductible receipt for donations of $25 or more. For the Do-Re-Mi-Dollars fundraiser, tax-deductible receipts will be sent for donations of $50 or more. There is also an option for online giving at www.mennonitechildrenschoir.org/donate
Payment Policy Payments include fees for tuition, uniforms, lost uniforms, lost music, fundraisers, tour, and other expenses. Payments should be submitted via check. Cash will not be accepted.
Outstanding payments are defined as payments that are not remitted according to the schedule defined by MCCL or an alternative payment schedule approved by the Choir Manager.
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Any singer who has outstanding payments will not: • receive a music folder • receive a uniform • participate in concerts, go on tour, or attend special activities
Refund Policy Tuition paid, less a $75 administrative fee, may be refunded through the fourth rehearsal of the semester. Tuition will not be refunded after the fourth rehearsal.
Payment for lost music or a lost uniform is refundable if the music or uniform is later returned in usable condition.
Fundraiser payments, uniform fees, and tour payments are not refundable or transferable.
Returned Check Fee A $45 fee will be charged for returned checks.
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Instructions for Registration
1. Print this page.
2. Go to http://www.mennonitechildrenschoir.org
3. Click green Member Portal button at the bottom of any page
4. Enter Username and Password.
Username: mcclmember Password: MCCL-21-22-Sing!
5. Click Singer Registration.
6. When logged in, complete Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties or have questions during the registration process.